Chapter 31: The Gate of Eternity
The third and final gate loomed in the distance, a towering structure that seemed to pierce the heavens themselves. Unlike the previous gates, which radiated challenge and danger, this one exuded an almost serene aura. Its surface shimmered with an ethereal light, as though it existed on the edge of reality itself.
At its center, an inscription glowed faintly:
"The Gate of Eternity: Embrace the boundless or be consumed by it."
Leon paused, his breath steady but his heart heavy with anticipation. The trials had taken a toll on him—not just physically, but emotionally. He felt the weight of every loss, every mistake, and every victory pressing down on him.
But he had come too far to stop now.
The System's voice broke through the silence.
"This is the final trial, Leon. The Gate of Eternity is unlike anything you have faced. Here, time, space, and existence itself will bend. You will be shown what lies beyond the boundaries of mortal comprehension. Only by embracing the unknown can you claim the final Mark."
Leon tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. "Embrace the unknown, huh? Sounds like just another way of saying 'survive or die.'"
"You are correct." The System's tone was flat, devoid of comfort. "Prepare yourself."
Without hesitation, Leon stepped forward. The moment his hand touched the gate, a blinding light engulfed him, and the world around him dissolved.
---
Leon opened his eyes to find himself standing in an endless expanse of stars. The ground beneath him was made of pure light, stretching out infinitely in all directions. The air was silent, yet it vibrated with an unseen energy.
In the distance, a figure appeared, cloaked in shadows but radiating an unmistakable power. As it approached, Leon realized it wasn't just one figure—it was many, constantly shifting and merging into each other.
The voices of countless beings echoed around him, speaking in unison.
"You seek the Mark of Eternity, but do you understand what it means? To wield it is to step beyond the mortal realm, to become something greater—and something far more dangerous."
"I didn't come here to back down," Leon said firmly, his voice unwavering. "I'll take whatever you throw at me."
The figures laughed—a sound that was neither mocking nor kind.
"Very well. Then face the truth of what you could become."
---
Suddenly, Leon was no longer standing in the starry expanse. He was on a battlefield, surrounded by chaos. Fires raged, the sky was torn apart by lightning, and the ground was littered with the bodies of the fallen.
At the center of it all stood Leon—but it wasn't him. This version of himself was a towering figure clad in black armor, his eyes glowing with a cruel, golden light.
This Leon raised his hand, and with a single motion, the entire battlefield was consumed in flames. The screams of the dying filled the air, but the dark Leon's face remained cold and emotionless.
"This is your future," a voice whispered in Leon's ear. "If you let power consume you."
Leon clenched his fists, his heart pounding. "No. This isn't me."
The scene shifted again. This time, Leon stood on a throne of light, surrounded by adoring followers. They chanted his name, their eyes filled with hope and reverence. But Leon could see the cracks in their smiles, the fear hidden beneath their praise.
"And this is your future," the voice continued, "if you become a savior at the cost of your humanity."
Leon's breathing quickened as the visions came faster and faster: worlds destroyed, lives saved, empires built, and kingdoms razed. Each future was more overwhelming than the last, until finally, he fell to his knees, clutching his head.
"Enough!" he shouted, his voice echoing into the void. "I don't need to see any more!"
The visions stopped, and the starry expanse returned. The shifting figure reappeared before him, silent and waiting.
Leon stood, his legs trembling but his resolve stronger than ever. "I know what I am. I'm not a savior or a tyrant. I'm just... me. And I'll keep moving forward, no matter what."
The figure tilted its head, as if considering his words. Then, it spoke.
"Very well. You have proven yourself. The Mark of Eternity is yours to claim."
A brilliant light engulfed Leon, and he felt a surge of power unlike anything he had ever known. It wasn't overwhelming or chaotic—it was calm, steady, and infinite.
When the light faded, he stood alone in the golden expanse once more. The System's voice returned, quieter this time.
"You have passed the final trial. The Gate of Eternity has recognized your resolve. You now carry the Mark of Eternity. Use it wisely, for your journey is far from over."
Leon smirked, a mixture of exhaustion and triumph in his expression. "Far from over, huh? Good. I'm just getting started."
Ahead, a new path began to form, leading into the unknown. Without hesitation, Leon took his first step forward, ready to face whatever came next.